Oct 19, 2022 - Politics & Policy

Uvalde school district superintendent abruptly retires

Rebecca Falconer

A memorial outside of Robb Elementary School for the 21 lives taken by a gunman in Uvalde, Texas, United States on September 06. — A memorial outside of Robb Elementary School in September for the 21 lives taken by a gunman in Uvalde, Texas. Photo: Pedro Salazar/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Hal Harrell officially retired as superintendent of the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District during a school board meeting on Wednesday night.

Why it matters: Harrell said less than two weeks ago he was retiring but would stay in his post "throughout the year" until a new superintendent was named. However, his retirement was accepted at the meeting. The terms were not publicly disclosed.

He faced criticism in the aftermath of the Robb Elementary School shooting that left 19 students and two teachers dead last May, with some parents calling for his removal.

Details: The school board named Gary Patterson as interim superintendent while officials search for Harrell's successor.

Go deeper: Remembering the victims of the Texas school shooting

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

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Uvalde school district superintendent abruptly retires

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